The New Manager Ambush

An executive shared with me an important lesson a few weeks ago. She mentioned a key risk that one faces in the first few weeks and months in a new position. During that time, some subordinates will uncover old rejected proposals and try to garner your support. Pet projects that have not secured resources in the past suddenly end up on your desk. You may not even be aware that they have been rejected in the past. You may not know why the ideas have failed to gain traction earlier. A new manager mustvproceed with caution in these circumstances. One has to explore the history of key issues and understand the origins of proposals that end up on your desk.